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    Home » Recipe Index » Drinks

    Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

    December 2, 2019 Updated November 6, 2022 By Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD Desserts, Drinks, Entertaining, Holiday Recipe, Recipe Index, Winter Recipes

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    3 ingredient hot cocoa in a mug with ingredients surrounding it
    diy hot cocoa mix in glass jar with ingredients surrounding it and text overlay

    Make your own dark hot chocolate with this delicious 5 minute homemade hot chocolate mix, then keep it yourself or turn it into the easiest holiday gift. It makes the most delicious chocolatey, creamy, warming hot chocolate.

    3 Ingredient homemade hot chocolate mix in mug with more mix in background

    [This recipe was originally posted in November 2016. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]

    Table of contents

    • How will this hot cocoa mix recipe make your life easier?
    • What makes homemade hot chocolate so good?
    • How to make homemade hot chocolate mix
    • How to make homemade hot chocolate mix for gifts?
    • Substitutions/Tips
    • FAQ
    • How can I repurpose this hot cocoa mix?
    • What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    How will this hot cocoa mix recipe make your life easier?

    This homemade hot chocolate mix makes a great holiday gift. It's super easy, quick, inexpensive, and you probably have all the ingredients you need to make it.

    Print out simple instructions to 1-1.5 T cocoa mix into 1 cup of milk, then heat. You can also include ideas for the best hot chocolate toppings to make your hot chocolate even more delicious (like peanut butter powder or peppermint).

    Make sure to also check out all the best winter seasonal recipes like this simple sauteed kale salad. OR these chocolate dipped oreos, homemade gingerbread mix, or gingerbread pound cake as other holiday gift ideas.

    What makes homemade hot chocolate so good?

    chocolate bar, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt on a table
    • Dark Chocolate bar
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Turbinado sugar
    • Salt

    How to make homemade hot chocolate mix

    Start to make homemade hot chocolate mix by chopping up a dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to jar. Seal lid on jar. Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.

    hot cocoa mix in glass jar

    Add 1-1 ½ tablespoons homemade hot chocolate mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.

    hot cocoa with whisk and other ingredients surrounding it on a table

    How to make homemade hot chocolate mix for gifts?

    Multiply this recipe and package in individual jars. It's that easy.

    Substitutions/Tips

    • Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
    • Make extra homemade hot chocolate mix to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
    • Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
    • Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
    • Other great add-ins: Try these Hot Chocolate Toppings.

    FAQ

    What is hot chocolate mix made of?

    Hot chocolate mix is usually made with different types of chocolate, sugar, salt and depending on the brand, preservatives or other ingredients, homemade has similar ingredients. Hot chocolate mix is usually mixed with hot milk or water.

    What can you add to hot chocolate mix to make it better?

    I wrote a whole article about making hot chocolate even better with delicious toppings. Check it out here.

    How do you make the best instant hot chocolate?

    The best way to make delicious instant hot chocolate is to start with great chocolate. Use your favorite chocolate bar and cocoa powder. And of course sugar too! Start with ingredients you like on their own, then you'll end up with great hot cocoa.

    3 ingredient hot cocoa in a mug with ingredients surrounding it

    How can I repurpose this hot cocoa mix?

    • Gift homemade hot chocolate mixes
    • Add it to pancake or waffle mix for a chocolate boost.

    What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    • Dark Chocolate Bar: Use instead of chocolate chips in this Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, or Chocolate Dipped Oreos.
    • Cocoa Powder: Small Batch Chocolate Cookies or Blueberry Chocolate Muffins.

    Did you make this homemade hot chocolate mix? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

    glass jar of hot chocolate mix
    Print Pin
    5 from 5 votes

    Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

    Make your own dark hot chocolate with this delicious 5 minute homemade hot chocolate mix, then keep it yourself or turn it into the easiest holiday gift. It makes the most delicious chocolatey, creamy, warming hot chocolate.
    Course Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 2 minutes minutes
    Total Time 7 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 cups
    Author Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN

    Equipment

    • Glass Jar
    • Measuring Spoons

    Ingredients

    • 3.5 ounces Dark Chocolate bar, chopped I used 85% cocoa
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon cane sugar or sugar substitute
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional)

    Instructions

    • Chop up a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon salt to jar.
    • Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
    • Add 1-1 ½ tablespoons hot cocoa mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.

    Video

    3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix

    Notes

    • Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
    • Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
    • Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
    • Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
    • Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.

    Want to get more single serving recipes or others like this homemade hot chocolate mix delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

    Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started. 

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    About Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. gretchen | kumquat says

      November 22, 2016 at 9:26 am

      this is brilliant!! i love me some truvia... i will DEFINITELY be mixing this up for myself and my kids for a hot chocolate fix without the sugar coma. (and what a great gift for the holidays!)

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        November 28, 2016 at 9:07 pm

        Thanks Gretchen! it's an easy go to warm drink. Hope you enjoy it

        Reply
    2. Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says

      November 22, 2016 at 1:25 pm

      Yup, it's official. I will definitely be trying this recipe this winter. It sounds perfect!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        November 28, 2016 at 9:06 pm

        thanks! Hope you enjoy it 🙂

        Reply
    3. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

      October 09, 2017 at 11:04 am

      Wow that is easy! Now I want one now

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:16 am

        ya, so easy 🙂

        Reply
    4. Rachel says

      October 09, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      Mmm, I love hot chocolate. What a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:16 am

        Me too! thanks so much Rachel!

        Reply
    5. Sarah says

      October 09, 2017 at 5:32 pm

      I could snuggle up with a mug of this right now! It's so cold and I've got a craving for chocolate!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:15 am

        oh yes, you need to warm up with this ASAP!

        Reply
    6. dixya @food, pleasure, and health says

      October 09, 2017 at 5:47 pm

      i have been wanting to make hot chocolate and im absolutely digging this easy recipe that can be made ahead! i love love love this.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:14 am

        yes, it's so easy & delicious! thanks Dixya

        Reply
    7. Abbey Sharp says

      October 09, 2017 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      Homemade is ALWAYS better than store-bought. Love this recipe!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:13 am

        isn't it though? thanks Abbey

        Reply
    8. Christina says

      October 09, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      Yessssss it's always good to have hot cocoa mix on hand!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:13 am

        so so true!

        Reply
    9. Emily says

      October 09, 2017 at 8:50 pm

      WOW this sounds good!! The more chocolately, the better, in my books 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:12 am

        same here! thanks

        Reply
    10. Natalie says

      October 10, 2017 at 3:14 am

      My family loves hot chocolate. And homemade is the best. Can you believe I haven't done not one cup this season. Need to change that now. Thanks for reminder. 😉

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:10 am

        I haven't either, not quite cold enough where I'm at. But yes, you're welcome & I'll be joining you in hot cocoa drinking soon

        Reply
    11. Mikki says

      October 10, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Wow! Love the simplicity of this! And of course.. the chocolate part is the best!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:09 am

        isn't it though?

        Reply
    12. Kalee says

      October 10, 2017 at 8:33 am

      This looks amazing! I love hot chocolate - especially when it gets cooler!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 10, 2017 at 9:07 am

        me too! thanks

        Reply
    13. Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says

      October 10, 2017 at 2:30 pm

      Yum! This sounds so amazing!! Can't wait to make it for my kids...Pinned 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        October 11, 2017 at 11:41 am

        yes! it's so good! your kids would definitely love it

        Reply
    14. Sue says

      December 04, 2019 at 7:18 am

      5 stars
      There's nothing better than a great hot chocolate, and on this cold rainy morning, I can't wait to make your recipe, yum!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        December 04, 2019 at 9:46 pm

        totally agreed!

        Reply
    15. Dannii says

      December 04, 2019 at 7:27 am

      These would be great to put in jars and give as gifts.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        December 04, 2019 at 9:45 pm

        exactly!

        Reply
    16. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

      December 04, 2019 at 7:50 am

      5 stars
      There is nothing better tasting than homemade hot cocoa. And this is insanely decadent and comforting for the cold weather.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        December 04, 2019 at 9:45 pm

        totally agree! thanks!

        Reply
    17. Jessica Formicola says

      December 04, 2019 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      We are making this to give out as gifts this year! It's our favorite recipe and it's always delicious!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        December 04, 2019 at 9:44 pm

        awesome! thanks

        Reply
    18. Katherine says

      December 04, 2019 at 8:37 am

      5 stars
      This is awesome. Need a double batch next time so half is for gifting and half for home!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        December 04, 2019 at 9:44 pm

        great idea!

        Reply
    19. Scarlet says

      December 04, 2019 at 1:23 pm

      I love simple, real ingredient, homemade recipes like this. Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        December 04, 2019 at 9:44 pm

        thanks! aren't simple recipes like this the best?!

        Reply

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    At Nourish Nutrition, you'll find bold, flavorful recipes for one. Most are single serving, and all have suggestions to use up the leftover ingredients so you can stop throwing away unused ingredients & leftovers!

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